Shirley Ann Grenz Suhr

Shirley Ann Grenz Suhr, age 81, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 16, 2026.

A native of Eureka, South Dakota, Shirley was born on July 16, 1944, to the late Ernest and Ella Grenz. Shirley grew up in Fargo, ND where her first job was with the telephone company as a phone operator. She met Lester on a blind date with a friend from church and they married in July 1964.

They started life together in West Fargo, ND until moving to the Dayton, OH area in the mid 70’s as a result of Lester’s job relocation with Super Valu and where she resided until her passing.

While living in Ohio, helping others was always important to Shirley as she provided daycare for friends and eventually got a job as a para-professional for a special needs class in the Dayton School District. She later worked as a receptionist at Stylish Lines hair salon and ended her work career at Super Valu.

Shirley enjoyed spending her time with friends whether it was for a leisurely lunch, shopping or volunteering to lend a helping hand when needed. She also enjoyed traveling to spend time with Shelley and her family and Denny and his family in various parts of the country. She will be remembered by those who knew and loved her as a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Along with her parents, Shirley is preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Lester Suhr. She is survived by her daughter, Shelley (Gail) Suhr-Mattice; grandsons, Dylan and Jason Suhr - Mattice; brother, Dennis (Sandy) Grenz; niece, Staci Grenz; and nephews, Derrick (Nikki) Grenz, and Scott Grenz; great nieces, Madison and Ella; great nephew, Ethan.

Shirley’s family invites friends to gather at Routsong Funeral Home in Kettering, Ohio (2100 E. Stroop Rd.), at 1:00pm on Tuesday, March 3, to share memories and offer condolences. A Celebration of Shirley’s life will begin at 2:00pm at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Shirley’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.